Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Great suv - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By great suv - July 7 - 7:41 am

  I bought the car in March only thing I didnt like no leather seats. After shipping around found a leather kit had it installed looks just it came from the factory. Lots of room really quit engine not as fast as mustang gt I traded but it gets me there. Love the adjustable gas and break pedals. Did a lot of looking but I think overall the explorer was the best bang for the buck.

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  Fun to Drive! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Doodle Bug - July 6 - 10:16 pm

  This is a great car. I traded in a VW Beetle for an "adult" car and was very surprised. It is really roomy and can comfortably seat adults in the backseat with ample leg room. The value with this car is amazing. It feels like youre driving a much more expensive car.

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  Best Mustang ever - 2011 Ford Mustang
  By Tony - July 6 - 3:11 pm

  The new 5.0 is everything youve heard and more. It is as strong running as my 2003 supercharged Cobra was, while being much more comfortable, quiet and not to mention fuel efficient. Highly recommended.

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  Im a Chevy guy - 2010 Ford Mustang
  By Potter - July 6 - 11:57 am

  Im a hard core Chevy guy and have been waiting for the right time to buy a new Camaro. Ive driven both the V6 and the V8 Camaro but something left me wanting and all the used Camaros on the dealer lots worried me. Out of curiosity I test drove the Mustang 2011 V6 and the current GT. The GT won hands down, it was pure love at first sight. The interior design was fantastic, the gadgets are cool, its easier to drive and its just an all out blast to drive.

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  Great Car for the money - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Bernie - July 6 - 9:25 am

  I own a 2005 Camry and a 2008 Altima coupe. The Fusion meets or beats those cars for ride quality, power and comfort. Ford has done a great job in building a car that shows America can build and engineer a quality midsized sedan. I have 1200mi on the car and have been averaging 28 mpg 60% city) by fill-up. the computer shows 31 to 34 mpg on the highway. This is my first American car purchase in ten years and I am very picky. You will not be disappointed if you choose this car over any of the Japanese or Korean competition. Drive this car then drive a Camry and Accord and you will be amazed at how quiet this car is. The Fusion is by far a much quieter car. The 4 cyl has tons of power.

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  Well worth it - 2009 Ford Escape
  By bman - July 5 - 1:31 pm

  Bought this vehicle used from a local dealer. Had a Fusion previously and definitely love the extra room. Has a great ride, mpg, and low wind noise. Test drove Rav4, Pilots, and Equinox and kept coming back to the Ford.

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  Caliper problems - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Gail Johnson - July 4 - 9:05 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used from our local dealership. It had 24,701 miles on it. The second day of ownership, I came out of this driveway, a terrible squealing sound happened. I stopped and backed up as I thought I ran over a branch, and went ahead again. The car squealed off an on the rest of my route. I thought it was my brakes but service said they were perfectly fine. It still squealed but now I have a burning smell. Took it back and service said the left rear caliper was locking up and replaced it. Brought it back home parked it in the garage got out and smelled the burning smell again and the wheel was too hot to touch. Service has it again. Not happy.

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  Love it but room for improvement - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By roy - July 4 - 6:31 am

  Great car - quiet at all speeds as long as Windows and sunroof closed. Not a good car for Windows down driving at highway speeds. Great gas mileage (had an explorer before). I get 30 mpg on highway at 70 mph w/ Cruise and low 20s in town. Strong engine but exhaust too muted - looking for aftermarket. Wish it was a manual stick. Interior is very nice - love SYNC and Sony sound system. Seats could be more comfortable but decent. Lots of people like the looks of the car.

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  I would definetly buy again - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By srpieman - July 3 - 11:14 pm

  We had 2009 Fusion that was a good start, very comfortable and never had an issue. Very good gas mileage, 24 mpg most of the time city driving and almost always 34-35 mpg free way. My wife decided got upgrade though. The Sync system was the main reason, which she loves and I like the usb port to play my music. They also upgraded the suspension so handles even better. Again great gas mileage. Went Oregon last fall and averaged 36 mpg on I5. Filled up in Santa Rosa, CA before we left and made it to Klamath Falls, OR and still had quarter tank left. As for comfort, I am 63 and is one the most comfortable rides I had. Many positions for seat, lumbar support and steering wheel is adjustable.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Ford Taurus
  By Missy - July 3 - 7:23 pm

  I LOVE this car! I have had tons of comments on how beautiful it is! Its fun to drive and I love all the extras! I have blind-spot controls, back-up sensors, heated/cooled/massaging seats, automatic bright/dimmer head lights and automatic cruise control! Its a very SMART car! Great fuel economy! Its all wheel drive and did fantastic this winter! I live in Wyoming and we have some crazy winter weather so thats saying a lot! Overall I love the car!